In honor of Religious Brothers Day, the Saint John Vianney Center recognized all Religious Brothers worldwide in a special blessing at Mass in the on-site chapel on May 3, 2017 and commemorated the occasion with a cake at lunch in the center’s dining hall.
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s document the “Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church” inspired a committee of religious from CMSM, RBC, NRVC and RFC to plan the Inaugural Religious Brothers Day, a celebration to include prayers, services and tributes. Religious Brothers Day of May 1 emerged on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker and will now be celebrated annually.
The special religious brother’s prayer that also emerged is as follows:
God of mercy and compassion, thank you for the extraordinary life, witness and ministry of Religious Brothers in our Church. In your wisdom, you have called these ordinary men to generously serve, pray, and share your healing love with others. As we prepare for our annual Religious Brothers Day, deepen our appreciation for the vocation of Religious Brothers, their congregational charisms, and their commitment to vowed community life. Strengthened by our baptismal call to holiness, inspire us to invite men to consider religious life as a Religious Brother. Grant all Religious Brothers the grace and perserverance they need to proclaim your Holy Word for the life of our Church and our world. Amen
